The negativity stems from the fact that this franchise has been in existence for 17 years, and has finished with a winning record just 4 times.

If you've followed the team since '95, you witnessed some highs, but many, many more lows. And each of those lows were preceded by optimistic offseasons.

I can't speak for everyone, but I am willing to let the results speak for themselves. Could DeMar light it up this year? Could Jonas dominate the middle? Could Bargnani stay healthy? Could Lowry by a MIP candidate? Could Casey improve the defense AND offense?

The answer to all of these questions could be yes. But then again, when was the last time the stars aligned perfectly for the Raptors?

The negativity stems from the fact that this franchise has been in existence for 17 years, and has finished with a winning record just 4 times....

Ah, but when you add in their initial year (25 wins, exceeded expectations) and every year in which they improved their records, plus the winning percentage years, you are up around 9 or so. I'm okay with that. A lot of NBA teams that haven't done as well.

Rick Pitino adopts new offseason approach

DeRozan is known as a champion of summer pick up ball. Perhaps that isn't a good thing according to Rick Pitino's view as he has outlawed it for his Louisville players figuring that bad habits form without the discipline of playing in the controlled environment at school.

"I said I don't want you playing pickup basketball, because that's how you regress," Pitino said. "I said I'd rather you play one-on-one basketball, with these rules -- games of five. If you play games of five you're playing hard on offense, hard on defense, winners come on. Play no more than that. Anything more than that, you start to break down, you don't guard, you don't have your hands ready, you don't play defense, you don't really get after it offensively. So I've given them certain things to follow -- improve your quickness, improve your strength and spend 45 minutes on your game each day."

DeRozan is known as a champion of summer pick up ball. Perhaps that isn't a good thing according to Rick Pitino's view as he has outlawed it for his Louisville players figuring that bad habits form without the discipline of playing in the controlled environment at school.

I agree, however, Demar has worked out individually with the Raptor's coaches at some different places, especially with a very important experience on the USA select team.

Everything a player does, will bring it's pros and cons. Pick-up ball can create bad habits, laziness, and low mindsets. Although, can create some confidence, put new things learnt in practice into game situations, and cardio.

We all know Derozan is an extremely hard worker, and that may be the difference of him to other pick up ball NBA players.

DeRozan is known as a champion of summer pick up ball. Perhaps that isn't a good thing according to Rick Pitino's view as he has outlawed it for his Louisville players figuring that bad habits form without the discipline of playing in the controlled environment at school.

Maybe, I need to see that mix-tape again, but the only positive I saw was his strength. Sure, he showed some handles but not enough to tell me that he improved. However, he seems to be strong enough now to absorb contact and drive through players, rather than away from them.

Maybe, I need to see that mix-tape again, but the only positive I saw was his strength. Sure, he showed some handles but not enough to tell me that he improved. However, he seems to be strong enough now to absorb contact and drive through players, rather than away from them.

Other than, his 3point shot isn't the most awkward 3point shot in the league anymore?